Volleyball teams digging in for state tourney
Postseason volleyball is in full swing for area teams, with the MHSAA state tournament wrapping up this week and the MAIS state tournament finishing up next week.
Two area MHSAA teams made the state semifinals in their respective classes, with St. Andrew’s making it in 2A and Germantown making it in 7A. Both teams fell in the semifinals, with Germantown falling to Lewisburg and St. Andrew’s falling to Lake.
Nonetheless, it was a great season for both programs, as the both had deep state tournament runs and both brought home region titles. Canton was the only other area MHSAA team to win a region title, but fell in the first round of the MHSAA 5A state tournament to Corinth.
As for other area MHSAA teams, Velma Jackson finished fourth in their region and lost in the first round of the 1A state tournament, Ridgeland finished third in their region and lost in the first round of the 6A state tournament, and Madison Central finished second in their region and lost in the first round of the 7A state tournament.
Shifting over to area MAIS teams, the MAIS state tournament will take place on Monday at Mississippi College.
Four area teams will be playing in the Division I MAIS state tournament, as MRA, Jackson Academy, Jackson Prep, and St. Joseph will all be in action on Monday.
MRA enters as the one-seed and favorites in the tournament, after a dominant 34-8 overall record in the regular season, including an undefeated 10-0 record in district play. The Patriots are led by one of the state’s top players in North Florida commitment Fallon Humphries.
Defending state champion Jackson Academy will also be a major factor as the two-seed in the state tournament, while Jackson Prep will be the five-seed and St. Joseph will be the six-seed.
MRA and Jackson Academy will have first-round byes in the tournament as the top two seeds. Jackson Prep and St. Joseph will play their first round games against PCS and Hartfield Academy.
State tournament action will kick off Monday, with Jackson Prep and St. Joseph playing at noon. MRA and Jackson Academy will start their semifinal matches at 3 PM, with the state title game scheduled to start at 7:30 PM. All state tournament matches will be played at Mississippi College on Monday.